How to Create a macOS Sierra Installation Boot Disk

Whatever your feelings are about the "download only" delivery method Apple imposes for its operating system updates you would be well advised to ensure you have a bootable version of the OS for future emergency use. Especially important as the installer automatically deletes itself once it has installed meaning another huge download if you need to reinstall.

By far the easiest way to create a bootable installation disk for OS X is using DiskMaker X from http://diskmakerx.com/. DiskMaker X is free app created with AppleScript that can be used to create a bootable install disk.

Download macOS Sierra from the Mac App Store

macOS Sierra is a free update to previous versions of OS X and is available from the Mac App Store.

Download DiskMaker X

Install DiskMaker X

Run the downloaded DMG file and drag and drop DiskMaker X to the Applications folder.

Run DiskMaker X

Run DiskMaker X and the first dialog box prompts you to select which version of OS X you want to make a boot disk for. The options include:

Yosemite (10.10)

El Capitan (10.11)

macOS Sierra (10.12)

Locating the Downloaded macOS Sierra Installer

By default macOS Sierra is downloaded to your Applications folder but it doesn’t need to be in that location for the following process to work.

In fact the best practice would be to move the installer to a permanent location rather than let OS X delete it from the drive after installation.

DiskMaker X makes an attempt to locate the installer. However, if it can’t find the installer or you would like to use a different version from the one it does locate use the "Use another copy…" button and select the installer you require.

Choose a Disk Type

The penultimate step is to select the drive or device to be used as the basis of your installer.

Choosing the Output Location

DiskMaker will display disks it finds. Select the disk you wish to use.

Create the Installation Disk

Finally it’s a simple matter of clicking the "Erase then create the disk" button and waiting for the process to complete.

Administrator Password

The next step warns you to expect to be prompted to enter an administrator password and confirm you wish to continue.

Copying Files

DiskMaker starts copying files.

Completing the Process

When the copying is complete the installer is displayed in the Finder window.

You’re Done!

It’s not a complicated process to undertake manually but you might as well save any time you can … all the better spent investigating the new options available in macOS Sierra.